Modern Living on Irwin Street in Historic Mistletoe Heights

Many have been captivated by Mistletoe Heights, a venerable early 20th century Near Southside neighborhood. The fabled Wagner ranch family had a Fort Worth home here. Trendy design blogger and soon-to-be television star, Grace Mitchell, launched her design career by lovingly embellishing her Mistletoe Heights digs. Perfectly manicured lawns bear witness to a completed gentrification of a quarter which, only a decade or so ago, looked a bit dog-eared. In fact, the area is pretty hot (what in city neighborhood isn’t in todays market?). The Mistletoe Heights listing I began writing about this week sold before I could post — an annoying scenario to which  I have become accustomed. Very well. Moving on I find 2305 Irwin Street.

The Irwin Street house has so much of what makes Mistletoe Heights unique. The roof of the bungalow conspicuously cantilevers past the ample front porch. Other Craftsman features like the modified nine-light front door and low-slung upper floor tick off the Mistletoe must haves of the 1919 build. And don’t be deceived by the discreet street profile. The residence is a totally livable four-bedroom, three-bath, 2,500-square-foot house.

I have never seen a Mistletoe Heights house with foundation issues. “The Heights” refers to the solid limestone ridge on which the neighborhood was constructed. Enter Irwin, and encounter a floor plan which could be new construction. Open and airy, the kitchen is visible from the vestibule.

New floors, but period trim and windows have been preserved. The fireplace is bookended by original, typical, Craftsman glazed bookcases.

Starkly staged, the dining room is in fact, quite spacious.

Another bonus is the extra cabinetry and counter prep space. I love the bold verdigris color of the center island. Power appliances complete the chefs kitchen.

An additional, open, living space off the kitchen could easily be repurposed as a relaxed dining area.

Bathrooms have been modernized as well. The master bath features marble countertops and twin sinks.

The back has “fence appeal.” Irwin has been so well maintained that the exterior resembles a retro new build.

April Gwin of Burt Ladner Real Estate is offering 2305 Irwin Street for $549,000.

Eric Prokesh is an interior designer whose work has appeared on HGTV, and in books and publications including D Home, Southern Accents, House Beautiful, and House and Garden. In January 2005, HG named Eric one of the 50 tastemakers in America and D Home has included him as one of Dallas’ Best Designers for 10 years. Having lived most of his life in Dallas, he now calls Fort Worth home and is one of our experts on beautiful Fort Worth Dirt.